Waffle House murder suspect captured

by Kaylin Jorge

Police tape blocks off a Waffle House restaurant Sunday, April 22, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. At least four people died after a gunman opened fire at the restaurant early Sunday.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

The suspect, who was nude except for a coat at the shooting, fled on foot and ditched the jacket. Attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful.

During Monday's update, Metro Police Spokesman Don Aaron said 160 officers from Metro Police, ATF, FBI, THP and the Davidson County Sheriff's Office are using a grid system to search for Reinking in the I-24 and Old Hickory Boulevard area. The search has trickled into northern Williamson County, forcing Brentwood and Nolensville schools to shelter in place.

Aaron also said a citizen found a soft laptop case on Sunday night near I-24 and Old Hickory Boulevard and brought it home with him. Police said the citizen found a handwritten ID card with "Travis Reinking" on the bag. Intelligence says Reinking was in that area on Saturday night. Police aren't sure if the laptop case wound up in that area before or after the shooting.

"If he’s still in the woods, he’s been there for more than 24 hours," Aaron said. "At some point, he has to come out for food and water."

Reinking is considered armed and dangerous. Police say he had a total of four guns: the AR-15 used at the Waffle House, two long guns found at his apartment and an additional handgun that is unaccounted for at this time.

Aaron said rain has affected the search. Metro and Cheatham schools are operating on lockouts while the manhunt continues. Rutherford and Williamson have also placed additional security.

Reinking moved to Nashville in 2017. Aaron said he worked in the crane or construction field. He was reportedly fired a few weeks ago from one company and subsequently hired for another job, but didn't show up for work.

Also new at the press conference, Aaron said Reinking recently stole a BMW from a dealership in Brentwood. Brentwood Police engaged in a pursuit with Reinking, who refused to give ID at the dealership, but ended the pursuit due to it being rush hour and the car had GPS tracking information. Police were later able to track the vehicle to Reinking's apartment.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is also urging people to be on the lookout for Reinking:

“Citizens of Davidson County and surrounding Middle Tennessee Counties… I urge you to look closely at the photo of suspect Travis Reinking and help our partners at the Metro Nashville Police Department apprehend this fugitive. We know with the eyes of all our citizens, working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, this fugitive cannot escape justice. Please dial 911 if you see Travis Reinking or think you may have seen him.”